‘Excellent, fantastic’ – Hansi Flick lauds Barcelona youngster after win over Levante

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick reserved special praise for 18-year-old midfielder Marc Bernal after the reigning La Liga champions eased past Levante 3-0 at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Sunday evening.

Making only his second league start of the campaign, Bernal wasted no time announcing himself, breaking the deadlock early and dictating play from deep as Barça dominated from first whistle to last.

Post-match, Flick singled out the teenager’s performance when speaking to reporters.

“Bernal played as number 6 and also gave us good ball control,” the German coach said. “He is excellent, always finding the right spot. He is also very intelligent, and that’s all the better. It’s fantastic that he is at this level.”

The victory keeps Barcelona firmly in control at the summit of La Liga and underlines the depth emerging within Flick’s youthful squad, with Bernal the latest academy graduate to seize his moment on the biggest stage.